Finn Russell handed captaincy as Scotland name strong lineup

BY Jack Tunney · Wednesday Aug 2, 2023

On the horizon of the highly anticipated World Cup, Scotland have revealed the formidable starting team that will clash with France in a thrilling warmup match on Saturday at Murrayfield.

The Scotland squad boasts a star-studded Edinburgh and Glasgow mixed backline, promising an exciting display of skill and power on the pitch.

Stepping into the esteemed shoes of the recently retired Stuart Hogg, Blair Kinghorn takes the reins at fullback, flanked by the dynamic duo of Darcy Graham and the powerful Duhan van der Merwe on the wings. Their blistering pace and attacking prowess are sure to keep the French defense on high alert throughout the game.

In the midfield, Scotland showcase a formidable partnership between Sione Tuipulotu and Hugh Jones. The combination of brute strength and finesse will create an excellent platform for the team’s new captain, Finn Russell, to exploit any weaknesses in the French line.

The responsibility of marshaling the forwards from scrum-half falls upon Toulon’s Ben White, a choice that promises to add precision and efficiency to Scotland’s set-piece play. The forward pack itself comprises an all-Edinburgh and Glasgow contingent, including the experienced vice-captain Grant Gilchrist, who brings leadership and tenacity to the team.

15. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 44 caps
14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) 34 caps
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 36 caps
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors, vice-captain) – 16 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 28 caps
10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby, captain) – 69 caps
9. Ben White (Toulon) 14 caps
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 21 caps
2. Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby) 7 caps
3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 58 caps
4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 73 caps
5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby, vice-captain) – 62 caps
6. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 34 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) 57 caps
8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 9 caps

Replacements:
16. Dave Cherry (Edinburgh Rugby) 8 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 30 caps
18. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 54 caps
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 26 caps
20. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps
21. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 20 caps
22. Cameron Redpath (Bath Rugby) 6 caps
23. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps

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